It's Just A Perfect Day
Apr 27th, 2009 by 'holic
What a strange and wonderful day that was. The trains ran on time. The sun shone. Middlesbrough arrived at the Grove and put up precious little resistance. Pints of Guinness mysteriously appeared in front of me at regular intervals, and the ticket inspector woke me up before we reached my station so I didn’t have to spend the night in deepest Wales!
For the first time I found myself watching from the East Lower, or block 19 to be precise. That meant I had a pretty close view of the almost telepathic work being done by Fabregas and Arshavin in the first half. If we can keep these two fit next season we will have much to look forward to. They combined to provide Cesc with the opening goal in 26 minutes, and the only real surprise was that we didn’t profit further from the little Russian’s excellent crosses.
They were not the only two to catch the eye. Eboue was again impressive as an attacking full-back, and Nasri, given greater responsibility alongside Denilson, was simply immense. With Manuel Almunia returning and Johan Djourou getting a half as a replacement for Silvestre, things are looking up ahead of Wednesday’s mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford.
The second half saw the visitors, surely certainties for relegation, create their one real chance, but Aliadiere failed to score his customary goal against his former club as Almunia denied him in a one-on-one.
Cue Eboue’s threaded pass to Fabregas for a comfortable second goal, and the inevitable substitutions that followed with half an eye on Wednesday. The Boro faithful, resigned to their fate it seems, even joined in with the ‘going down with the Geordies’ chant.
As a work-out for Wednesday this was almost ideal. We will wait to see if Silvestre is fit to be in the squad against his former club on Wednesday, but that aside nobody was required to break into a sweat. With Villa and Everton results going our way that Champions League berth is all but secure.
The one thing that should concern Arsenal was the number of empty seats, particularly in Club level and the upper tier. I know the club include absent season ticket holders in their ‘official’ attendance figures, and I know why, but it was blatantly obvious that there was nowhere near the 60,089 figure published in the ground. If the holders of the more expensive season tickets are not taking their place when it is already paid for, how many will be questioning renewal come the close season? Food for thought, Mr Gazidis?
So that’s that, aside from gratuitous plugs for the fellow bloggers I had a drink with yesterday, the inimitable Arseblogger and lasagnechef from the Cannon. It was great to see you again guys. Next time perhaps you’ll stop me before I quaff a ‘fall asleep on the train’ quantity? No? I didn’t think so!
14 Responses to “It's Just A Perfect Day”
A well managed game and one that we crusied our way through. Nasri was tremendous in a more holding position. Not only did he win his fair share of tackles but his distribution was superb.
Bendtner, Eboue and especially Denilson played very well. I have vented my frustration at those who seem so take every opportunity available to have a go at him. Today he again had a top game. He does so much of his work off the ball that I guess that TV camera’s do not actually pick that up. If you actually go and watch him, then those who slate him might actually realise how much he actually does for the team.
The Arshavin/Cesc combo could be lethal. When they really bond and get to know each other then who knows where that will take us?
You raise the question of empty seats. That has been a problem at many home games this season and I guess that in the current climate nothing will change. It will be an interesting time in the renewals office.
The only bad news is the injury to Silvestre. We could do with him fit for Wednesday, even if it is just to add something to the bench.
Keep the faith.
I´m really looking forward to next year if Wenger can hold on to all the players in this squad. I think some of the young players have grown a lot this year and if you take into account that Nasri is in his first season ( and Pires, Ljungberg and a lot of other players have taken 1-2 seasons to fit into the side ) we have every reason to be very optimistic. My only worry is that I think our defence might be a little short of Man U´s and Chelsea´s in quality. As soon as the holding midfield position gets better that might fall into place though and it really looks like we have an embarressment of riches in midfield at the moment. Fabregas, Nasri, Song are all playing brilliantly and if Denilson adds a little consistency to his performances then we are set to challenge next year. In all competitions.
Bad news?? Silvestre is terrible!
Empty seats is a show frustration from section of the fans that are not happy that we are not competing for the title. We need to do more in the summer transfer window to be a genuine title conterder rather than fighting to qualify for CL. Making CL next season depends on Man City ‘s ambition. If Man City recruits better Manager and new sign new players, it may be more difficult for us to qualify but then what do I know?
Holic mate!
Once again it seems as if we both watched the same game. Of course you can’t just read blogs that you agree with (except for if you’re in dire need of patting yourself on the back) but it sure is refreshing to read such a positive blog week after week.
Keep it up.
If I might throw some pressure on you I’d love more of the personal anecdotes as well. Always enjoy reading the stories about your father and your grandson. We have a rich heritage at this club and it’s always nice to use that fact and put us in a historical context in a personal way. Of course, that would require you to write more posts so it’s up to you!
I think Bendtner’s performance yesterday has recieved very little credit, because I think he played exceptionally well. In terms of his overall performance I thought he played the lone target man better than we’ve seen from Ade all season, he just lacks the ability to just produce a goal when we need it most that Ade seems to have. He gets a hell of a lot of stick but for what he is in our squad he’s a cracking player: do any of our rivals have a 20/21 year old 4th choice striker who’s a full international with a goal tally in double figures for the last two seasons? No, didn’t think so.
I agree with the comments that have been made so far. Yesterday we wtinessed an industrial workout that produced the result we were seeking from a completely ineffective Midd’boro. To be honest one produced by our players barely breaking into sweat…..would not be an overstatement!!
Another point springs to mind that I’ll throw in for debate ‘holic. Whilst I think the opposition provided a good enough justification for trying out the ‘Nasri holding, Cesc attacking’ combo……I (a) would like to see it tested again, against more stiffer competition and (b) think it somewhat dilutes Cesc’s real attributes, which is his creativity and pin-point distribution and awareness from deep midfield positions. And even though the wee fella can put the boot in….I wonder if Nasri is quite big enough for the holding role?! I’ll make clear that this is by no means a criticism of the tactics! I just believe Cesc performs well in his naturally creative position as the midfield anchorman.
A pint of San Miguel for me please barman and one for yourself my friend 🙂
BoB
It’s not what you know…
Heh,
Are you being disrespectful to ‘da family’, Mr J?
Evening chaps and chapesses. Great write up ‘holic. Would have loved to occupy one of those empty seats, but not sure I would be able to pay for an annual season ticket, but that should be no excuse for those who have paid. Quite remarkable that there are people who can afford to do that.
Anyway, should you ever have the misfortune to be stuck anywhere in the Berkshire area late at night, just give me a bell and if I’m sober I’ll give you a lift to the nearest Wiltshire town.
Cheers.
Spot on, ‘Holic. Very nice work.
I wasn’t overly excited when we signed Arshavin. I thought he might turn out to be a damp squid (just for you, Snail). Wrong! What a great addition to the squad and a snip at $12M. I’d build on your comment about AA and Cesc by adding Denilson, Nasri and RVP to the Wengerballers.
9 months on, I’d take Nasri for Hleb; Song for Flamini and Arshavin instead of ANY OTHER EPL signing in the close season (particularly the $32M penalty misser at Manure). My hat’s off to the boss.
Eboue played well enough to merit a start on Wednesday (Woa, did I just right that?). I’m delighted to see JD20 back for Silvestre. I’m thinking Cesc, Denilson, Song and Nasri are shoe-ins to start. Based on Saturday, Bendtner deserves it more than Ade, but the latter will likely get the nod.
Temperature and pulse rate are beginning to rise.
“write”, right?
Thanks Snail. Could you move further down the line? Bristol should do it 😉
There’s only one type of Bristol I’m likely to be attracted to I’m afraid, ‘holic. 🙂